Proper punctuation for a rhetorical question (does it or doesn't it get a questionmark)?

Question

May I ask what is the proper function for a rhetorical question. Does a rhetorical question get a questionmark or not?

For example
If the other person doesn't like it, what fun is that. vs
If the other person doesn't like it, what fun is that?

Which is the proper punctuation for a rhetorical question?

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]May I ask what is the proper function for a rhetorical question.[/nq]
Yes, you many. The answer to the question you have asked permission to ask is: To make a statement in the grammatical form of a question.
[nq:1]Does a rhetorical question get a questionmark or not?[/nq]
"Question mark" two words.The answer is that there is no consensus. My personal position, hardly unique to me, is that the grammatical form of the sentence controls the punctuation if it's interrogative it gets a question mark, whether rhetorical or not. I would therefore put a question mark after the sentence that opens your post. Conversely, I don't put question marks after declarative sentences. You will see things like "Perhaps you aren't really interested in this topic after all?" in which the author is solliciting a response of some sort.

It may have interrogative semantic force, but it isn't a question grammatically, and I'd change that question mark to a period (full stop). But I am not dictator of Planet Earth, and not everyone follows my practice. If this thread tickles any fancies, you'll probably see posts to the contrary of what I have just written.
[nq:1]For example If the other person doesn't like it, what fun is that. vs If the other person doesn't like it, what fun is that? Which is the proper punctuation for a rhetorical question?[/nq]
Again, no consensus. I would use the question mark. Others wouldn't.

(Are you sure your example is a rhetorical question? (Am I sure that mine is?) I can think of more than one answer.)
If you're writing for publication, follow the publisher's style manual (if there is one). If you're writing for a professor or teacher or grad student, do what you're told. If no external rules constrain you, try at least to be consistent, whatever practice you choose.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]May I ask what is the proper function for a rhetorical question. Does a rhetorical question get a questionmark or ... If the other person doesn't like it, what fun is that? Which is the proper punctuation for a rhetorical question?[/nq]
Usually we just use an ordinary question mark, but the proper punctuation is the rhetorical question mark or "Punto de Interogación Inicial" which looks like an upside-down regular question mark.

You can type this character on a PC by holding down the Alt key and typing 0191 on the numeric keypad thusly: ¿
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Proper punctuation for a rhetorical question (does it or doesn't it get a questionmark)?

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